When you visit Brancepeth, one of New Zealand’s most historic homesteads and remarkable set of farm buildings that date back to the 1850s, could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time.

The white timber homestead, which features a castellated central tower, sits atop a ridge near Wainuioru, only a 15 minutes’ drive east of Masterton in the Wairarapa, a region only a one hour’s drive or train ride from Wellington. Now listed by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a category 1 historic place, it opens a door on New Zealand’s pioneering past.

Widely reported to be one of the best-preserved farm buildings in New Zealand, Brancepeth and its surrounds reflect the lifestyle of the extensive sheep and cattle farms that once dominated the Wairarapa countryside and are a reminder of a by-gone era. At its height Brancepeth Station featured a grand stable, library, school, store, and cookhouse and had more than 300 staff.

The gardens are also unique because they feature Summersii Flax, which was the first all tri-coloured flax in the world, and large, historic trees of a variety of species some of which are over 140 years old.

Take a guided tour of Brancepeth. Your guide is a family member and their memories and knowledge of this extraordinary home make this a special experience. Bookings are available for groups only (minimum 20 people). bookings (20 people minimum).

Ring 06 372 2876 or 0274464660.

For more things to do while you're visiting the Wairarapa head to www.wairarapanz.com. When you're here be sure to call into one of our i-SITE Visitor Information Center’s for advice and trip suggestions.